They offer an additional 20% discount for students travelling on services from Waitara and Oakura, and a 10% reduction for those travelling from Bell Block or Omata or within New Plymouth (see fare table on this page).

Multi- passes can be loaded into ordinary Citylink Smart Cards. The cards will handle both types of transactions - single trips or multi-trips. A multi-trip will be automatically deducted if the pass is usable on the route/zone, the pass has not expired and there is still at least one unused multi-trip available.

Read on for answers to FAQs:

Do I get my money back from a damaged card?

No, the available credit on a Smart Card is not transferrable and is non-refundable except at the discretion of the Taranaki Regional Council.

How many multi-trips can be loaded on my card?

A maximum of 80 multi-trips can be loaded onto your card - that is, two 40-trip passes.

What are the main advantages of a multi-trip pass?

An additional 20% fare reduction for children travelling from Waitara and Oakura.

An additional 10% fare reduction for children travelling from Bell Block, Omata or within New Plymouth.

Can I still use my existing Smart Card for multi-trip journeys?

Does the multi-trip fare apply to other passenger categories?

No, it is available only to children travelling to and from school. Tertiary and WITT students are not eligible.

How do I apply for a multi-trip pass?

Existing Smart Card holders do not have to apply. Simply pay the appropriate price and your card is updated automatically. If you do not have a Smart Card you will need to complete an application form and take it to Puke Ariki i-SITE or Tranzit Coachlines (15 Sunley St, New Plymouth).

How do I get my Smart Card loaded for multi-trips?

Pay the appropriate fare and your bus driver or the staff at Tranzit Coachlines (15 Sunley Street, New Plymouth) can load your Smart Card for multi-trips.

If I pay more than the multi-trip fare, for example $100 instead $94 for the Waitara zone, do I get additional trips at the same rate?

No, the multi-trip pass is programmed for 40 trips, so for Waitara the fare is $94 (GST inclusive).

What trip conditions need to be met to use multi-trips?

A multi-trip will be automatically deducted if the pass is usable on the route/zone, the pass has not expired and there is still at least one unused multi-trip available.

Will my multi-trip pass expire?

The available balance of multi-trips on your Smart Card will remain usable for one year from the date of last use before becoming invalid. Your Smart Card does not expire and can be used for life.

Which fare will be deducted from my Smart Card?

The card reader will automatically deduct one multi-trip when the Smart Card is placed on the card reader and meets the above conditions.

Do I have to keep a single trip balance over and above the multi-trips?

No, you have the choice of using the Smart Card for either single trips or multi-trips or both on your Smart Card. Both options operate separately.

What happens if I'm not travelling from or to my zone, for example I'm a Waitara student and want to travel to Puke Ariki after school before returning to Waitara?

You will have the option of paying either cash or using your SmartCard if it has a single trip balance available. Your trip to back Waitara would qualify as a multi-trip.

How many multi-trips can be loaded on my card?

A maximum of 80 multi-trips can be loaded onto your card - that is, two 40-trip passes.

Why do I have to take my ticket?

Keep your ticket as proof of purchase. Also, if paying by Smart Card, it will provide you with the balance of money left on your card and the number of multi-trips left. You may be asked to provide it by Taranaki Regional Council or Tranzit Coachlines staff, or any other authorized person.

Can I pay for my friend or sibling with my Smart Card by multi-trip pass?

No, each child must have their own Smart Card programmed for multi-trips. Multiple passengers cannot use the one SmartCard multi-trip pass.

Can I hand my Smart Card to my friend or sibling once I've used it?

No, the programming does not allow a Smart Card to be used again within a certain time period. Again, each child must have their own card when using it as a multi-trip pass.

Do I still require a transfer ticket if I want to continue my journey on another service?

Yes, a free transfer ticket is required for passengers who wish to transfer directly from one route to another within the hour.

If I move from one zone to another, will I need a new Smart Card?

No, your card can simply be changed to the new fare zone once all the trips for the current zone have been used.

If I move zones, can I get a credit on my unused multi-trips

Yes, under the following circumstances.

The value of the remaining multi-trips is greater than $10.

Proof of change of address is provided.

The credit is placed back on the Smart Card (no cash refunds).

The credit is placed on the Smart Card as single trips.

The value of the trips is rounded down to the nearest $10.00.

What happens if my Smart Card is lost or stolen?

The card holder is responsible for the safety and security of their Citylink Smart Card. The single trip value and/or the value of the multi-trip pass of any lost or stolen are non-refundable except at the discretion of the Taranaki Regional Council. If a card is lost or stolen while at school it should be reported to the appropriate school authority.

If I damage my Smart Card, can I get a replacement?

Yes, but card holders are responsible for the care of their Citylink Smart Card. Any card that has been damaged or is not accepted by the card reader device will incur a $10 replacement fee.